Beer Gut or a Big Gulp Belly?

Everyone knows that if you drink too much beer, you will end up with a “beer gut.” What most people don’t know is that sugar in the form of fructose or high fructose corn syrup is processed almost the exact same way as alcohol in our bodies, which can also lead to these large bellies. 

The number one source of calories in the U.S. is from sugary drinks – mostly in the form of fructose or high fructose corn syrup. The corn refiners association claims that HFCS is no different than typical sugar when it comes to metabolism and obesity. But more and more research is coming out showing exactly how fructose is metabolized, which is more like alcohol than it is sugar.

When you eat or drink fructose, almost all of the calories are turned directly into fat, compared to glucose which is mostly used by your body for energy. One of the only differences between fructose and ethanol (alcohol) is that alcohol is metabolized in your brain causing the buzzed feeling.

As most people know to drink alcohol in moderation or not at all, the same applies for sugary drinks such as orange juice, soda or food products that contain fructose or HFCS especially as it turns directly into fat.  

The average American currently drinks 60 gallons of soda a year… so be on the lookout for Big Gulp Bellies and start preventing your Big Gulp Belly now!